You Can Have Diabetes And Still Be A Foodie

Diet plays an important role in diabetes. A diabetes-friendly diet can help you control your blood sugar levels, whereas an unhealthy diet can elevate your blood sugar levels and increase the risk of diabetes complications. 

However, having diabetes does not mean that you can not enjoy food or you need to eat bland and flavourless foods. You can still continue being a foodie even with diabetes, given that you make healthy choices in your food. 

Factors You Need To Consider While Making Food Decisions 

• Consider the portion size of the food you are eating. As long as you eat foods in regulated portions, you can keep your diabetes controlled.
• Avoid eating highly processed foods as they can quickly spike your blood sugar levels. There are healthy substitutes for all such foods, which will help you enjoy the same flavours without compromising with your diabetes management.
• Avoid foods that may increase your body weight. Also, reduce the consumption of foods that contain trans fats, such as cookies, muffins, etc. 
• You can eat carbs, but you need to choose the correct carbohydrates that do not spike your blood glucose levels. Also, the total amount of carbs you eat should not exceed 200-225 grams of carbs a day.

Tips To Stay A Foodie With Diabetes

• Avoid eating deluxe meals in restaurants. They are loaded with calories, refined sugar and saturated fats, all of which can affect your diabetes management. Instead, order all your dishes separately to have better control over your meal. 
• Choose healthy dressings for your salads, such as mustard dressing, lemon-chive dressing, etc. This way, you can eat food which is not only healthy but also tasty.
• While eating burgers, skip the cheese and add an extra layer of salads as toppings.
• Choose healthy sides when eating outside. Instead of french fries and wedges, order side salads or fresh fruits.
• If you want to have pizza, opt for a thin crust with vegetable toppings and no cheese. Also, eat pizza in a smaller portion with a side vegetable salad to avoid overeating. 
• Eat healthy snacks made of fruits and nuts such as avocado toast, oatmeal, etc. You can add your desired toppings and make them as tasty as you want.
• Use the plate method to control your portions. This way, you will be able to enjoy everything while also ensuring that your blood sugar levels do not spike.

Takeaway

Just because you have diabetes, you do not have to give up on your love for food. You can still eat all the tasty foods with just minor changes.  

References:

1. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317122#Eating-junk-foods-with-diabetes
2. https://www.healthline.com/health/type-2-diabetes/junk-food#saturated-and-trans-fats
3. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/diet-eating-physical-activity
4. https://www.diabeticfoodie.com/
5. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317344#tips-on-what-to-order